Northeastern State Security Forces Eliminate 57 ISIS Fighters, Predominantly Non-Natives, in Somalia
BOSASO, Somalia – On a perilous Tuesday evening under the expansive sky of the Northeastern State state in Somalia, an intense operation executed by Northeastern State forces resulted in the demise of 57 militants associated with ISIS, a significant portion of whom were foreigners. This strategic offensive was markedly bolstered by the formidable US Africa Command along with other international allies.
Axadle’s sources affirmed a series of tactical airstrikes across various sanctuary locations within the rugged Cal-Miskaad mountains. These strikes are part of a broader, calculated maneuver aimed at driving ISIS fighters from their entrenched positions.
In a fierce battle earlier in the Dharin area, a mere 17 kilometers from Turmasaale, 24 foreign combatants were neutralized. Here, amidst the dust and echoes of past conflicts, Northeastern State forces engaged in direct confrontation with ISIS, targeting one of the last few bastions still steadfast in the mountainous landscape. You might wonder—was this an act of desperate defense or a calculated final stand?
Engagements around Togga Jacayl emphasized the volatility of the conflict, with relentless skirmishes punctuating the night, leaving militants exposed. The military, undeterred, displayed the bodies as a stark reminder of their resolve, vowing to extinguish the militant threat in the ensuing weeks.
The Northeastern State Counter-Terrorism forces announced further operations in territories spanning Qurac to Dharin, with strategic movements encircling Togjaceel. Notably, they have managed to reclaim multiple bases with sheer force, heralding successes in this arduous campaign. “Many foreign ISIS terrorists have been eliminated,” reported the Northeastern State army, conveying resilience and relentless pursuit.
In a bid to fortify defense lines, Northeastern State’s forces have strategically fortified the lower areas of the Cal-Miskaad mountains, inhibiting militant escape routes. The precision airstrikes orchestrated by the US Africa Command have been instrumental, dismantling concealment caves and protective hideouts that were once thought to be impenetrable.
President Donald Trump lauded the United States’ role over the weekend, affirming the nation’s commitment to eliminating ISIS, with airstrikes ostensibly targeting a senior ‘planner’. Yet, the details remain shrouded in mystery—was the target neutralized, or does the specter still linger? The Pentagon’s reticence leaves room for speculation.
Some sources suggest that Abdulkadir Mumin, the elusive global leader of ISIS, was the primary target. An elusive figure who evaded previous strikes in May 2024, Mumin epitomizes the persistent threat in the region, exacerbated by the influx of foreign recruits, as reported by the State Department.
Interestingly, Somalia’s central government remains on the periphery, neither providing critical logistical support nor deploying its elite forces to aid their Northeastern State counterparts. This absence could have fueled confidence amidst the chaos, but instead, it casts a shadow of irony as the government seeks credit for hard-won victories.
As the dust settles over Northeastern State’s rugged landscape, questions linger about the path forward in this fractious battle against extremism. The resilience of the Northeastern State forces and their unyielding determination against adversity offer a beacon of hope in tumultuous times, but will it be enough?
Report By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
